Barcelona have hit a relatively poor fun of form, losing three of their last six games in all competitions. Scoring goals has been a real issue for the Catalan side, who have only scored seven times in that run. Robert Lewandowski is his club’s top scorer; however, they clearly lack alternative goal sources, with their second-highest goalscorer, Ferran Torres, being without a goal in the league since mid-September.

Xavi’s side conceded just 20 goals in La Liga when they won the title last season; however, they are only six goals away from matching last season’s tally in goals against already, having only played 14 games. The hosts have conceded an average of one goal per game. The loss of the injured Gavi will impact their stability in midfield.

Atletico’s attacking output has been better than usual so far this season, with Simeone’s men scoring over two goals per game on average. Two key contributors to this are Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata, with the pair netting 16 times between them. Following the international break, Griezmann was the only scorer as Simeone’s side overcame Mallorca.

Under Diego Simeone, Atletico have been renowned for their strength and consistency at the back. To go along with that, the visitors have the second-best defensive record in the league, having only conceded 12 goals in 13 games.

Atletico have been much more impressive than Barcelona so far this season, looking the stronger of the two sides at both ends. When Barcelona were tested by tough opposition this season, they were beaten by Real Madrid; however, when Atletico faced their neighbours, Simeone’s side comfortably won 3-1. Atletico will fancy their chances here. However, with Barcelona possessing the home advantage, backing the visitors to either win or draw is a sensible bet at a nice price, keeping two outcomes on our side.

Prediction:

✅ Atletico Double Chance @ 1.73

Barcelona have received an average of 2.4 yellow cards per game in La Liga this season. Barcelona have received at least two yellow cards in their last five league games. Across these five games, three of their opponents have matched or exceeded Barcelona’s tally.

Atletico have the exact same average as Barcelona, also averaging 2.4 yellow cards per game.

Both teams have been carded at least twice in the last three games between the pair. When the sides met in April, there were 12 yellow cards in the game, with Barcelona picking up four and Atletico amassing eight. It is worth noting that there have been five or more yellow cards in eight of the last ten clashes between the two. Expect the referee to be busy here.

Prediction:

🟨 Over 4.5 Cards @ 1.29

Lewandowski is Barcelona’s top scorer this season, scoring seven goals in ten starts. The Polish striker has several attempts on goal per game, averaging 3.2 shots per 90 minutes. Half of Lewandowski’s shots find the target, with the talisman averaging 1.6 shots on target per game.

Morata has been in good form this season, and he leads the way in terms of shots for his side, with an average of 3.4 shots per game. The Spaniard hits the target regularly, averaging 1.4 shots on target per 90.

Predictions:

🎯 Robert Lewandowski to have two or more shots on target @ 1.91

🎯 Alvaro Morata to have one or more shots on target @ 1.40

This is a huge game and midfield battles will play a significant part in deciding it. With a lot on the line, a feisty encounter is expected.

Barcelona average 11 fouls per game in La Liga this season. Frenkie de Jong has been booked three times this season, committing an average of 1.3 fouls per game. The Dutchman will inevitably be in the thick of the action.

Simeone’s side have averaged 15.2 fouls per game across their last five encounters with Barcelona. Chaos often follows Rodrigo De Paul, who has committed 1.2 fouls per game. Expect the World Cup winner to commit at least one foul in this one.

Joao Felix will face his parent club for the first time this season and will undoubtedly be fired up for this one. The Portuguese forward has committed his fair share of fouls in the league this season, averaging 1.2 fouls per game.

Predictions:

🛑 Frenkie de Jong to commit one or more fouls @ 1.40

🛑 Rodrigo De Paul to commit one or more fouls @ 1.25

🛑 Joao Felix to commit two or more fouls @ 1.91